The University of Ibadan (UI), through its Career Development and Counselling Centre (CDCC), has trained final-year students on personal branding, digital literacy, interview techniques and workplace etiquette, emphasising that academic excellence alone is no longer sufficient to thrive in today’s labour market.
The one-day programme, themed “From Campus to Corporate: Mastering Essential Soft Skills,” was held at the New Large Lecture Theatre, Faculty of Science.
In his address, the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Kayode Adebowale, said the University remains committed to producing graduates who possess not only academic knowledge but also the practical skills and professional values required to excel in a rapidly evolving global workplace.
Professor Adebowale noted that it is not enough to have a network to be invited for job opportunities; the capacity and relevant skills to do the job are non-negotiable.
“You may be able to use your connections to secure an interview, but it is your skills, competence and character that will ultimately earn you the job. Connections can open the door, but only your ability can keep it open,” said the UI Vice-Chancellor.
Welcoming participants, the Director of the Career Development and Counselling Centre, Professor David Oluwole, said the training was designed to bridge the gap between academic preparation and workplace expectations.
According to him, the initiative reflects the University’s commitment to producing graduates who are not only academically accomplished but also equipped with the professional and interpersonal competencies required in the workplace.
“Today’s workplace demands much more than academic excellence. Employers increasingly seek graduates who can communicate effectively, think critically, solve problems creatively, work collaboratively, adapt to changing environments, demonstrate emotional intelligence and lead with integrity,” he said.
Professor Oluwole noted that while a university degree may open the door to employment, it is soft skills that often determine whether graduates secure jobs, retain them and progress in their careers.
“While your degree may secure an interview, it is often your soft skills that determine whether you secure the job, retain it and progress in your career. Professional success is built not only on what you know but also on how effectively you apply your knowledge, relate with others, manage yourself and respond to challenges,” he added.
The Director encouraged the participants to maximise the opportunity presented by the programme by engaging actively with facilitators and embracing lifelong learning.
“Graduation is not the end of learning; it marks the beginning of a new phase of personal and professional growth. Continue to develop yourself, remain teachable, embrace lifelong learning, cultivate excellence and uphold the values for which the University of Ibadan is renowned,” he charged.
Speaking on “Personal Branding and Digital Literacy,” Director of the University of Ibadan Centre for Entrepreneurship, Professor Sherifat Aboaba, advised the graduating students to be deliberate about creating brands for themselves.
Branding is the intentional process of shaping how others perceive you, and it urges students to deliberately build a professional identity capable of creating opportunities.
Professor Aboaba explained that values, attitude, competence, appearance, communication and online presence collectively shape an individual’s reputation.
“Your values, competence, communication, appearance and online presence all contribute to the impression you leave on people. A strong personal brand helps you stand out, build trust and create opportunities,” she said.
She identified the “7Cs” of personal branding as character, competence, confidence, communication, consistency, credibility and contribution, noting that these qualities distinguish professionals in an increasingly competitive job market.
She also challenged students to define their personal value proposition by asking themselves: “What am I known for? What value do I offer? What problems can I solve? What skills distinguish me? How do people describe me?”
According to her, developing a positive personal brand could improve graduates’ chances of securing scholarships, internships and employment.
Professor Aboaba further advised participants to maintain professionalism by dressing appropriately, communicating effectively, respecting others and safeguarding confidential information.
“Looking good is a business,” she remarked, stressing that appearance remains an important element of professional branding.
The training also focused on employability skills, with facilitators identifying intelligence, enthusiasm, commitment, teamwork, communication, initiative, emotional intelligence, problem-solving ability and technological competence as qualities employers increasingly seek.
Delivering a session on interview skills, a human resource expert, Dr Morakinyo Oloyede, urged students to prepare thoroughly before attending interviews by reviewing their curriculum vitae, researching organisations and anticipating likely questions.
“The first thing being looked at is character and attitude,” Oloyede said.
Dr Oloyede advised participants to prepare convincing responses to common interview questions, communicate confidently, listen actively and ask thoughtful questions during interviews.
The management consultant also encouraged students to follow up after interviews and continually reflect on their performance to improve future outcomes.
The programme featured other facilitators, including Professor R.A. Animasahun and Dr Toke Ola-Sheu Adele, who spoke on career readiness, personal development and workplace competencies.
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